The annual leaf and yard waste pick-up will begin Monday October 13 and will continue until snow cover prevents collection. Leaves, yard and garden waste can be piled along the curb for collection.

Senior Center Car Fit/Check Event

October 10

8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Avenue Auto Clinic

Verona Senior Citizens can stop by Avenue Auto Clinic, 503 W. Verona Avenue, between 8:00 a.m. and Noon on Friday October 10 to have their vehicle safety inspected just in time for winter. A certified auto mechanic will be on site to inspect tires, belts, and hoses, fluid levels, lights, and battery strength. This is a service provided free of charge and is first come, first serve. Contact Officer Ryan Adkins at 845-7623 or Becky Losby at 845-7471 with any questions.

The Senior Center October Birthday/Anniversary Lunch will be Friday October 7 at 11:45 a.m. Trombonist Alan Anderson will play a program of Frank Sinatra songs at 12:30 p.m.

Pay Less for College

October 7

6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Verona Public Library

College costs can be one of a family's largest financial expenditures. Robert DeCock, a Certified College Planning Specialist, will discuss how you can save appropriately for college, increase scholarships, and minimize loans. This program is free and open to the public. To register visit the Library Website, or call 845-7180.

Growing Wisconsin Creatively

October 15

7:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Verona Public Library

Anne Katz, executive director of Arts Wisconsin, will discuss why the creative economy is critical to our state's success and how communities like Verona can benefit. This program is presented in partnership with the Verona Area Chamber of Commerce. This program is free and open to the public. To register, visiting the Library Website or call 845-7180.

Books 'N Booze Book Discussion

The Verona Public Library has a book group targeted toward young adults. Books 'N Booze Book Discussions take place at Pasqual's Cantina, 100 Cross Country Rd., on the third Thursday of each month. Below are the upcoming dates, times, and book titles.

October 16, 5:30 p.m.

Choose Your Own Horror! Choose your own horror book to share. If you don't have a favorite, there will be several options available for checkout.

City of Verona residents can now make water and sewer payments online through Payment Services Network, Inc. To make a payment, visit www.paymentservicenetwork.com. This link can also be found on the City of Verona Website under News and Events. Third quarter water bills were sent on Tuesday September 30 and include a link to the payment website.

Residents can also sign up for automatic payments of quarterly water and sewer bills. To sign up, please complete an agreement form found HERE. Return the completed agreement along with a voided check to: City of Verona Water and Sewer Department, 410 Investment Court, Verona, WI 53593.

Election Information for the November 4th General Election

Voter Identification

The Wisconsin Voter ID law has been reinstated and is in effect for the November 4th General Election. All voters must show a valid Photo ID in order to vote. Examples of valid Photo IDs can be found HERE.

Voter Registration

If you are new to Verona, or have moved within the City you will need to register to vote. All voter registrations must have a proof of residence submitted with them. The deadline to register to vote by mail is Wednesday October 15. After this date all voters wishing to register will need to do so at City Hall by Friday October 31. After this date you will need to register on Election Day.

Absentee Voting

You may request an absentee ballot by mail from now until Thursday October 30. In-person 'Early' absentee voting begins Monday October 20 and runs through Friday October 31 at City Hall during normal office hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You will be required to show a Photo ID for in-person absentee voting and required to provide a copy of one with your written (or faxed or emailed) absentee request if you wish to receive an absentee ballot by mail.

Library Polling Place

If your polling place is the Verona Public Library, you will need to know which State Assembly District you belong to as this will determine which line to get in at the polls. Most of the City of Verona is in Assembly District 80, but those living in Ward 1 or Ward 5 are in Assembly District 79. Please be familiar with your Ward and if you belong to Wards 1 or 5 watch for a green postcard to arrive in your mailbox in mid-October. This green postcard should be taken with you when you go to vote. These postcards should be given to the election official at the polling place so they may direct you to the proper line.

If you have any questions relating to elections please do not hesitate to contact City Hall at 608-845-6495 at any time. More election information can be found under the Elections tab on the City of Verona website.

Miller's Supermarkets to Offer DMV Service

Miller's Supermarkets have announced that they are now a registered agent for the Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles. As a result, vehicle owners can now renew and receive their annual license plate stickers at their two grocery stores located at 210 South Main Street in Verona and at 1845 Hwy 18 in Mt. Horeb. Renewals are available 7 days per week. Please call 608-845-6478 for hours and availability.

The process takes approximately one minute to complete and requires a small fee. This in-store option affords vehicle owners a convenient and simple alternative to the traditional license plate renewal process.

3rd Annual Rock-Paper-Scissors Tournament and Fundraiser

Saturday October 11, 10:00 a.m.

Verona Public LibraryTest your skill in a quest to become the 2014 Rock-Paper-Scissors Champion! The grand-prize winner of this tournament and fundraiser will receive a Galaxy Tab 4 Nook and will be declared the official tournament champion by Verona Mayor Jon Hochkammer. The second-place winner will receive a Nook Glowlight, and the third place prize is a $50 Barnes & Noble gift card. Prizes are donated by Verona Vision Care and Park Printing.

The entry fee is $5 per participant, paid at the door. All ages are welcome. Proceeds benefit the Friends of the Verona Public Library.

Halloween 2014 Events

Trick-Or-Treat Hours Set for October 31

5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Halloween will be on Friday October 31 and the official Trick-Or-Treat hours designated by the City of Verona will be 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The Verona Police Department encourages participants and residents to be mindful of their safety. Extra officers will be on duty and will be highly visible during the event. In addition, please follow these safety tips:

Trick-or-treat only during the designated hours, and with a parent, buddy or in a group.

Only approach homes with porch lights or Halloween lights on, and never go into a stranger's home or vehicle.

Don't wear a mask which will reduce visibility or hearing.

Inspect all candy before consumption.

If driving, drive under the speed limit and watch for sudden pedestrian movement.

If suspicious or unsafe activity is observed, notify a nearby officer or call 845-7623. In an emergency, call 911.

The Haunting: A Unique Spooky, Scary, Suspense Show

Monday October 13, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.Verona Public LibraryAuthor and entertainer William Pack will provide an interactive performance of spine-tingling horror stories, true eerie history, and inexplicable supernatural occurrences. Pack's book The Essential Edgar Allan Poe will be available for sale and signing. This program is free and open to the public. To register, visit the Library Website or call 608-845-7180.

Free E-Waste Drop-Off Event

The annual free e-waste drop-off event for City of Verona residents will be Saturday November 1 from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the City of Verona Public Works Facility, located at 410 Investment Court. E-waste includes televisions, computers, printers, computer monitors, DVD players, VCRs, fax machines, cell phones, and computer parts and accessories. The City normally charges fees for disposal of electronic waste, which is prohibited by state law from being sent to a landfill. One day only, these items may be dropped off free of charge. Anyone dropping off items must furnish basic proof of City of Veorna residency.

Verona Public Safety Explorer Post is Recruiting

The Verona Public Safety Explorer Post is recruiting young men and women who are interested in learning more about careers in Public Safety. The post, which is sponsored by the Verona Police Department, Fitch-Rona EMS, and the Verona Fire Department, is open to those ages 14 through 20. Explorers will receive training in each of the public safety fields and apply those skills at local and national competitions. Explorers also assist with community events, such as the Senior Center Ice Cream Social, National Night Out, and the Verona Hometown Day's Festival. If you would like further information or are interested in joining the Explorer Post, please contact Officer Shawn Van Heuklon at shawn.vanheuklon@ci.verona.wi.us.

CPSC and Health Canada Recall Kidde Smoke and CO Alarms

CPSC anad Health Canada recalled 1.3 million Kidde Smoke and Combination Smoke and CO Alarms. The recall indicates that the alarms could fail to alert consumers of a fire or a CO incident following a power outage. The recall also indicates that there have not been any reported incidents or injuries associated with the recall. The recall can be viewed HERE.

Forward Theater company Presents: Selections from Out of the Fire - the Banned Books Monologues

Tuesday October 14, 7:00 p.m.

Verona Public LibrarySince the 1980s, more than 11,000 books have been challenged or banned in the United States. These monologues have been written by local, statewide, and national playwrights, who have lent their voices to the conversation about free speech and all that freedom entails. This exclusive presentation of monologue selections will include a talkback with local Forward Theater actors following the performance. This program is free and open to the public. To register, visit the Library Website or call 845-7180.